Jetpac

:"Not to be confused with the 1993 video game "Jetpack".":"For other meanings see Jetpack (disambiguation)."Infobox VG| title = Jetpac


developer = Tim and Chris Stamper
publisher = Ultimate Play The Game
designer =
engine =
released = 1983 (Spectrum)
Late 1983 (VIC-20) ["Personal Computer Games", issue 2, page 7. Newsfield Publications, November 1983]
Late 1984 (BBC) ["Jetpac review, BBC Micro version, Computer and Video Games", issue 38, page 36. December 1984]
genre = Shooter game
modes = Single player
platforms = ZX Spectrum
BBC Micro
Commodore VIC-20
Xbox 360 Live Arcade (as part of Jetpac Refuelled)
Nintendo 64 (as part of Donkey Kong 64)
media = Cassette (Spectrum, BBC, VIC-20)
ROM cartridge (Spectrum, N64)
Download (Xbox 360)
requirements = 16K RAM (Spectrum, BBC)
8K RAM expansion (VIC-20)
input = Keyboard, joystick

"Jetpac" is a ZX Spectrum, VIC-20 and BBC Micro video game developed and released by Ultimate Play The Game in 1983. The game is the first in the Jetman series, and was the company's very first release. The game was written by Chris Stamper with graphics by Tim Stamper. Jetpac was one of the very few Spectrum games also available in ROM format for use with the Interface 2, allowing "instantaneous" loading of the game when the normal method of cassette loading could take several minutes.

In 1999, "Jetpac" was introduced to a new generation as Rareware included it in "Donkey Kong 64". It could be unlocked to play in Cranky Kong's lab, and if players successfully got 5000 points, they would be rewarded the game's Rareware Coin. After taking pictures of 6 Banana Fairies, the player would be able to play it and "Donkey Kong" any time they wish by going to the mystery menu of the main menu. [cite web | url=http://uk.gamespot.com/n64/action/donkeykong64/hints.html | title=Donkey Kong 64 | publisher=CNET | work=GameSpot | accessdate=2006-05-30] An updated version of "Jetpac", entitled "Jetpac Refuelled" was released to Xbox Live Arcade on 28 March 2007. [cite web | url=http://www.xbox.com/en-US/games/j/jetpacrefuelledxboxlivearcade/default.htm | title=Jetpac Refuelled | publisher=Microsoft | work=Xbox.com | accessdate=2008-02-25]

Gameplay

In the game, Jetman has to first assemble his rocket (which comes in kit form), and then fill it with fuel before taking off to the next planet (where the procedure is broadly repeated). Along the way Jetman has to fend off the attention of intelligent (and not-so-intelligent) aliens, while making off with their valuable resources.

After the first level, the rocket stays assembled and just requires refuelling. However, every few levels, the rocket that Jetman flies in on is changed and the new model which replaces it has to be built from scratch before it can be fuelled up to take off. Each new model has a higher number written on it and has a new design, although the gameplay is unchanged.

The screen consists of three platforms on which Jetman can stand, with the area "under" the platforms usually considered to be the most dangerous area in which to hang about. The screen "wraps", so if Jetman or an alien go off one side of the screen, they reappear on the other.

The enemies change every level (however, they eventually cycle) and each alien has a different pattern of movement which means they can be dealt with in a different manner. For instance, the "dart" enemy tends to hover in a vertical column on the left-hand side of the screen until it "fires" across the screen. However, this level can be easily completed by always staying on the middle of the three on-screen platforms and firing to the right. However, the "flying saucer" aliens will follow Jetman and so will require a different strategy to avoid.

References

External links

* [http://www.ultimate-wurlde.com/games/jetpacintro.shtml "Jetpac"] at Ultimate Wurlde
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